Senior Laboratory Planner
Location: San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA | Full-Time | Architecture & Design Sector
A nationally recognized architecture and design firm seeking a Senior Laboratory Planner to join their Science & Technology practice. This leadership role will drive the programming and planning of complex technical facilities including academic research labs, pharmaceutical environments, and cutting-edge biotech spaces.
This is a high-impact position suited for an experienced laboratory design professional who thrives in both client-facing and team leadership roles, and who is passionate about advancing technical design solutions across a range of laboratory environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead programming and laboratory planning efforts across a range of complex research and technical facilities.
- Guide teams through the design, equipment planning, casework specification, and MEP coordination of laboratories and related spaces.
- Translate client goals and operational requirements into functional, innovative lab design solutions.
- Oversee the development of planning documents, specifications, and drawing sets through all phases, from concept to construction administration.
- Apply quality assurance/quality control best practices throughout project execution.
- Facilitate programming sessions with stakeholders and user groups to define project needs (including SOPs and regulatory considerations).
- Lead presentations and project updates, ensuring clear communication and alignment with client expectations.
- Cultivate strong client relationships and support new business efforts by representing the firm as a subject-matter expert in lab planning.
- Provide direction to project managers, designers, and engineers in developing scope, budgets, and schedules.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to internal knowledge sharing, standards development, and strategic planning initiatives.
- Contribute to broader Science & Technology business planning, including market strategies and firm-wide collaboration.
Qualifications
- Professional degree in Architecture required; Master's preferred. A focus or certification in lab planning is a plus.
- Minimum of 10 years of lab planning and programming experience across a range of facility types such as vivarium, biocontainment, teaching/research labs, pharma, clinical, and/or manufacturing environments.
- At least 5 years of experience leading teams and guiding clients through complex technical projects.
- Architecture license preferred; LEED Accreditation or Green Associate certification is a plus.
- Strong communication skills and proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams.
